Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
TB Meningitis. Infected VP Shunt. On Medication. Prescribed To Replace VP Shunt. Will There Be Any Side-effects?
Posted on
Fri, 15 Jun 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 15 Jun 2012
Answered on
Sat, 14 Jul 2012
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, My sister in law is suffering from TB meningitis. VP shunt was inserted in November last year and now Doctor suggests to replace the VP shunt as it is infected. She is regularly taking medicines as prescribed but as per the last report the Infection has spread in upper spine lower spine too. How would this be managed? She is 33 years 5'4 is the height. What are the side effects of again inserting a VP shunt? thanks in advance for replying to this.
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.
A shunt infection occurs when bacteria infect the tissue around the VP shunt.
When the tissue is infected,it can cause the VP shunt to stop working properly.
A shunt that doesn't work properly can cause an increase the pressure within the brain.
This increase in pressure can damage the brain and threaten the life of patient.
Infected shunts are generally removed and then replaced after a course of antibiotics which may be given intravenous and some times intraventrically.
There is nothing to worry about the re inserting of VP shunt.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Thanks for the query.
A shunt infection occurs when bacteria infect the tissue around the VP shunt.
When the tissue is infected,it can cause the VP shunt to stop working properly.
A shunt that doesn't work properly can cause an increase the pressure within the brain.
This increase in pressure can damage the brain and threaten the life of patient.
Infected shunts are generally removed and then replaced after a course of antibiotics which may be given intravenous and some times intraventrically.
There is nothing to worry about the re inserting of VP shunt.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your prompt response.
What could be the reason for for the infection to spread. The anti TB tablets, forex etc., has been given to her since December last year, however, each time we get the MRI done, we see that the infection is spreading.
The surgeon last time recommended to do a biopsy, again there are changes of long term of permanent disability for the patient.
Please advise, appreciate your reply!
Thank you for your prompt response.
What could be the reason for for the infection to spread. The anti TB tablets, forex etc., has been given to her since December last year, however, each time we get the MRI done, we see that the infection is spreading.
The surgeon last time recommended to do a biopsy, again there are changes of long term of permanent disability for the patient.
Please advise, appreciate your reply!
Hello
Most likely reason for the the spreading and uncontrolling of infection looks to be the low immunity.
Along with proper antibiotics,she should be given proper supplements,vitamins and hematinics to improve her low immunity and nutritional status.
Be in touch with your treating doctor regularly and follow his advice.
If there is any associated complication like diabetes,it should be promptly taken care of.
Thanks
Most likely reason for the the spreading and uncontrolling of infection looks to be the low immunity.
Along with proper antibiotics,she should be given proper supplements,vitamins and hematinics to improve her low immunity and nutritional status.
Be in touch with your treating doctor regularly and follow his advice.
If there is any associated complication like diabetes,it should be promptly taken care of.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
